As we inch ever closer to the official launch date of the Anker SOLIX F3800 on Kickstarter, we decided to host an impromptu live chat on the SOLIX F3800 Facebook group.
This is how ZDNet describes this product, slated to hit the consumer market early next year:
“The biggest star is the Anker Solix F3800, a rolling battery that packs 6000W of power and features dual voltage output plugs at 120V and 240V. With its 3.84kWh capacity, the F3800 can be an emergency home backup battery capable of running appliances like a washer and dryer, window AC units, and even refrigerators.” ZDNet, Aug. 31, 2023
We invited Eddie, the product manager, to answer any and all questions from members. He delivered. Here’s the breakdown of what was asked and answered, and in case you missed it, here’s the link to sign up to get notifications about the SOLIX F3800 on Kickstarter: https://ankerfast.club/ZxP0gK
1. How many watt hours does the expansion battery add to the SOLIX F3800?
Each expansion adds 3840wh, and you can add up to six expansions. When the six batteries are added to the SOLIX F3800, the total kwh is 26,880.
2. Do I need an installer to use the F3800 to power my home?
Yes, it requires a licensed electrician to install the F3800 home system. But if you already have a transfer switch, you can plug it in and power your home.
3. Can you charge an electric vehicle with it and how many units would you need to charge at 9.6 kilowatt hours?
A single F3800 can charge your EV at 6kW. Pairing 2 F3800s can charge EV at 9.6kW.
4. The literature references that you’d be able to use it to charge an electric vehicle. Will there be a proprietary adapter or will you simply plug your charger it into one of the ports?
No need for additional accessories, simply just plug the ev charger into f3800’s nema 14-50 port
5. Will this function as an ups?
Yes
6. Will there be multiple solar ports?
Yep, there are two solar inputs on F3800, 1200W Max each.
7. Does it have the ability to favor solar over AC charging?
When connecting to both portable solar panels and AC at the same time, F3800 will prior AC charging over solar charging. On the other hand, when connecting to rooftop solar panels through Home Power Panel, the solar charging is prior over AC charging.
8. How fast do the solar panels charge the solid f3800?
The maximum is 2400W. In an ideal situation with maximum solar power, the estimated time is 2 hours or less.
9. Max voltage input?
When using a portable solar panel to recharge the F3800, the max input is 60v. but when connecting the F3800 with your rooftop solar panel through SOLIX’s home power panel, there will be no limitation.
10. How much does the F3800 weigh?
60kg/ 132lbs.
11. Can you charge the expansion batteries separately or do they have to be plugged into the F3800 to charge?
Expansion batteries have to be recharged with F3800.
12. Does the app allow for scheduled charging? Can I set it to charge from grid power late at night when power is cheap and disconnect from the grid during peak?
You can start charging when the electricity price is low and set the charging duration for F3800 on the Anker app. When you pair the F3800 with the SOLIX home power panel, you can schedule the charging time on the Anker app to ensure charging when the electricity price is low and then use the F3800 for power supply when the electricity price is high.
13. I live in an area that gets frequent power blips and power will drop for a second a few times in a row due to heat/weather. Is there a way to set this unit up as an inline UPS for the house so we wouldn’t see fluctuations on the circuits we select?
You can install the Anker SOLIX Home Power Panel. It can power your essential devices automatically during a power outage.
14. How’s weather affect the unit and expansion batteries in terms of temperature and IPX rating?
The F3800 does not have IPX, just like other portable power stations. The discharging temperature is -20-40 Celsius degrees.
15. What’s the power draw it can handle? Can it handle 2500-watt pull at one time? What are the sustained watts it can deal with?
The continuous AC output is 6000W. The peak power is 9000W for 10s.
16. Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity or both?
Both.
17. If you have solar already, can the f3800 automatically run power to the house at night when the solar panels stop working?
Yes, you can install an Anker SOLIX home power panel. Your solar can power your home and charge F3800 in the day. At night, F3800 can power the house automatically.
18. Is the home power panel available already?
The subpanel and expansion batteries will be available on the Kickstarter, which launches Oct. 9.
19. When will shipping the unit begin?
Early next year.
20. In this setup, you are recommending Anker’s home solar panels, but I understand this works with any brand of existing roof solar panels, correct?
Yes, it can work with any brand of existing roof solar panels. Anker’s Home power panel can detect the power from your solar system.
21. Can we use the unit as a full UPS with a sub panel with dedicated breakers?
Yes, Anker Power Panel can hook up with a subpanel and work as an ups.
22. When the grid is out will it automatically switch to the panel when the grid is back on?
No.
23. Can we sell power back to the grid?
No, the F3800 system can not send power back to the grid.
24. If batteries are completely depleted When solar comes back will it turn back on automatically?
Yes, you can schedule the time of use (TOU) for the SOLIX F3800 home system.
25. What’s the charge rate to the F3800 from just being plugged into AC, and not solar?
1800W, being plugged into a wall outlet (AC power). Max 2400W for solar via 2 1200W ports.
26. Is the power panel required to set this schedule?
So far yes. but we are exploring for more possibilities
27. How many amps can I draw?
For appliances with a rated voltage of 220V, they can be powered by connecting to F3800. It supports up to 25A.
28. What’s the cutover time?
When using it as a standalone portable power station, it works as a standard-lone power supply and its transfer time can be as much as 20ms. When used with the home panel, the transfer/cutover time is 50ms.